Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Event 20: Madsen Leads Day 1B

$3300 + $200 WPT Borgata Poker Open Championship NLH

Madsen Making Magic at Borgata

Jeff Madsen is no stranger to playing well and winning at Borgata. The 2010 Winter Poker Open Champion ($625,000) is not only the Day 1B chip leader with 217k, but he also takes home $5,000 for bagging the most chips.

"When you do well at one place there's a good vibe around it," said Madsen, who's a two time WSOP bracelet holder and whose last tournament win came here.

"But it's not all about the money. Yeah it would be great to win $900,000, but for me it's about the competition and winning and adding to the resume. WPTBorgata Poker Open Championship event is one of the most prestigious tournaments and I'm glad I'm off to a great start."

The Day 1B field of 853, combined with 460 players on Day 1A helped Borgata set the attendance record with 1,313 players for the third consecutive year.

"It's exciting to be a part of the largest field ever in WPT history," said Vanessa Selbst, who was second in chips on Day 1A with 199k and will be fourth overall heading into Day 2. The WSOP bracelet holder added, "to have a chance to win that much money is incredible."

The nearly $4.3 million total buy-in helped blow away the $3 million guaranteed prize pool and set the top prize at $922,441 as the top 100 players will cash in this event.

When Day 2 play resumes 11 am Tuesday, Abe Korotki (Bethany Beach, DE), who also earned a $5,000 bonus as the Day 1A chip leader, will lead the field with 260k. Madsen is second overall, followed by Alex Todd (New York, NY) with 200k, and Selbst.

Approximately 750 players return for Day 2 play with an average stack of 51k (84 BB) as blinds will start with level 9 (300/600/75 ante).